Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A good war-date Union surgeon's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Asst. Surgeon William C. Towle 12th Maine Veteran Battalion, Savannah, Ga., Apr. 22, 1865, to his wife, in part: "…we must have peace soon. At any rate the government will not need so large an army much longer…our Regt. is the 4th organization from our state and we think will be mustered out among the first…how sad admits all our rejoicing to hear of the assassination of our much loved President. All of us are in mourning. Now of his enemies can rejoice over an act the perpetration of which must for ever render its authors infamous. The North here lost a great and faithful leader. The South its best friend and they know it and feel it too. The Rebel sympathizers here express regret and well they may for they know that Johnson will not be as lenient toward them as Lincoln would have been. There was along meeting held here yesterday in Monument [?] I will send you the popper with the account of it…Col. Kimball [William Kimball brevet brigadier general] and Major [Gideon A.] Hasting are…both anxious for my commission to come. They now see that they made quite a mistake in recommending Dr. Collins. It was done…from personal feelings alone just because I required that petition for [Lt.] Col. Ilsley. Col. Kimball opened the subject to me. You know that I never would, never demean myself to much as even to speak to him about it. He has found that it is not agoing to make him popular is his own Regt or in the brigade and…he has written to the Gov. not to commission Collins [George Collins, commissioned surgeon on May 6, 1865]…Dr. Prevost, Medical Director heard of it and he told Col. Kimball that it was the most unjust thing he ever heard of and that it ought not be allowed. He will find out, if not already, that I have friends here if not at Augusta. I am waiting patiently for the result. I saw the Oxford Democrat with the appointment of Dr. Collins but he has not made his appearance…and will not if he does note leave home before Col's letter gets there. Meanwhile I go on as usual as if nothing had happened, but if he comes I shall gibe him charge immediately. I reckon he may want some assistance, but he may learn by experience as I have [that] it is no easy matter for a civilian to assume the duties of a Regt. He will find up hill work among our boys for they can make a great deal of unnecessary work for a surgeon if so inclined…Lt. [Richard] Bradley's charges will be withdrawn. He is under arrest as yet. He promises better fashion or to tender his resignation as the Col. may choose…Wm. C. Towle." The original transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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